However improvement is needed in several events if the Swedes are going to be prepared for state qualifying spots at the district meet, he noted.

“We have seen some improvement by several schools that we will be up against both in conference and district competition,” Jensen said. “We just need to be closing the gap there a little better over the next few weeks so we don’t have unpleasant surprises at the end of the season.”

Those winning gold medals in varsity competition were Jon Rehmert in extemporaneous speaking and Madison Costello in informative speaking.

Three novices, or first-year speech competitors, were in the winner’s circle and included Rebecca Riley in entertainment speaking and Jettison Seimer and Joseph Darling in duet acting.

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